Wolfowitz, DoD's CFC vice chairman, acknowledged that he had gone "out on a limb" at last October's DoD/CFC kick-off ceremony. He'd predicted that DoD personnel contributions would surpass the record $10.7 million received in 2000 and also the 2001 goal of $11.1 million.

"The men and women of this department gave $12.6 million, a million-and-a-half dollars over the goal. And, so, it's my great pleasure, on behalf of (Defense) Secretary (Donald H.) Rumsfeld, to commend this great team and to thank all of you who contributed to the campaign," he said.

"We are celebrating the most successful CFC campaign in the history of the Department of Defense, and as a matter of fact it's been the most successful Combined Federal Campaign in the National Capital Region," said David O. Cooke, director of administration and management for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Cooke introduced Wolfowitz at the ceremony, which featured DoD, agency, service and individual awards. DoD's 2001 CFC campaign in the National Capital Area featured an overall participation rate of 65 percent, Cooke noted.

Other senior CFC officials at the ceremony included Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi; DoD CFC Director Steve Kelly; Wilhelmina J. Rolark, president and CEO of the United Black Fund Inc. and vice chair of the National Capital Area United Way Campaign; Clarence Hardy, National Capital Area CFC director; and Mara T. Patermaster, CFC operations director at the Office of Personnel Management.

The Defense Contract Management Agency received the Secretary of Defense Chairman's Cup for most outstanding DoD CFC campaign with contributions at or below $250,000, Kelly said. With 100 percent participation, the agency collected more than $142,000 -- $40,000 better than last year, he noted.

Tied as winners for the other Chairman's Cup -- as the best large DoD CFC campaign with contributions greater than $250,000 - were the Navy-Marine Corps and the Air Force, Kelly said. The Navy and Marine Corps raised more than $3.5 million with 61 percent participation overall, he noted. The Air Force netted more than $1.8 million with 65 percent participation.

"It comes as no surprise to me that in this very difficult year once again, you've achieved victory," Principi said to DoD CFC officials.

U.S. Department of Agriculture policy analyst Tim Toepke was dressed as Uncle Sam at the DoD ceremony. Toepke said that since last October he had worn the costume to 35 CFC fundraising events that raised $1.7 million in total.

The success of the DoD 2001 Combined Federal Campaign "is a vivid expression of the depth of kindness and compassion that dwells deep within the hearts of Americans in the Department of Defense," Wolfowitz remarked.

"Our military men and women labor shoulder-to-shoulder with our dedicated civil servants to defend our freedom, and their hearts have not forgotten those who will need the gifts of education, nutrition, and other life-giving support provided by the charities of CFC," he concluded.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense CFC team pose with awards for their roles in raising $728,000 for the 2001 National Capital Area CFC campaign -- $21,000 more than last year. The awards ceremony was Jan. 31 at the Pentagon. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore.Download screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution